Response times should be reduced by reorganizing police by region and strengthening operational capabilities.
This is implied in the National Program of Public Order and Security for 2026-2030, adopted by the government on November 26. Prime Minister Alecandru Munteanu described the document as very important: “Our daily security and its quality is of concern to everyone”.
The National Unified Emergency Call Service 112 remains a key element in ensuring public order and security, but its development is uneven across the country, which creates differences in access to services and efficiency of response. Between 2020 and 2024, the average response time to calls has increased from 26 to 32 minutes, reflecting the increasing strain on police resources. The reasons cited are an increase in the number of calls, understaffing in patrol and operational units, and shortcomings in the organization of work.
Patrol and operational services are not sufficiently equipped to fulfill their tasks. A revision of the patrolling structure is planned, taking into account regionalization and a new distribution of responsibilities between police and carabinieri, avoiding duplication of functions.
The problem is particularly acute in Chisinau, where the share of 112 calls increased from 45 to 52%. The number of parking violations increased, as well as the number of administrative offenses – by 16.7%, and the number of traffic accidents – by 24.1%. At the same time, the Chisinau units show higher efficiency due to the developed infrastructure, specialized units and coherent communication between the dispatcher and response teams.
At the national level, there are large differences in response times. In some areas, rates are as high as 48 minutes due to a lack of resources, limited availability and inefficient organization. The patrol service is understaffed, with 14% of positions vacant at the end of 2024, and high staff turnover reduces response times.
However, in some areas, with only 1-2 patrol teams, the average response time was better than the national level (20-29 minutes), which confirms that efficiency depends not only on the number of personnel, but also on the territorial management of resources.
